How businesses can support our Armed Forces community
Businesses of all sizes in Redcar and Cleveland play an important role in supporting our Armed Forces community. Whether through flexible recruitment, supportive workplace practices, or simply understanding the unique needs of those who serve or have served, your business can make a meaningful difference. Below are some of the steps you can take.
Sign the Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary pledge. A pledge which promises that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
Its two principles are recognising the unique obligations of and the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces. Its two principles are:
- Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
- Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured and the bereaved.
Businesses and charitable organisations who wish to demonstrate their support for the armed forces community can sign the covenant. You can find out more by visiting the gov.uk webpage here.
Employment
There are many active and serving personnel of the UK Armed Services across the borough. Your business can show its support by considering employment for:
- serving reserve members of the UK Armed Forces
- family members of someone serving, or formerly serving, in the UK Armed Forces
- bereaved family members of someone who died in service in the UK Armed Forces
- service leavers and veterans of the UK Armed Forces
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
Commonly abbreviated to ERS, the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme serves to recognise and reward employers who align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant and support Reservists, Service Leavers and Spouses, Cadets and Cadet Volunteers.
The scheme is the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour for Armed Forces-friendly organisations and employers can nominate themselves for either a bronze, silver or gold award.
You can find out more about the scheme and nominate your organisation by visiting the gov.uk website here.
Help for Heroes Recovery College
If you have an employee from the Armed Forces community, the Help for Heroes Recovery College provides free courses and self-help guides with tools, tips and strategies to help improve and manage physical and mental wellbeing.
The Recovery College was the first of its kind to be designed specifically by, and for, the Armed Forces community.
All courses are co-produced and co-delivered by Help for Heroes staff, including veterans and family members.
For more information, click here.
If you would like to talk to our Armed Forces Liaison officers who can help mentor you through the process please email: ArmedForcesLiaison@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
